Many of you may have a family apple-picking adventure on your fall calendar. We plan to visit our favorite apple orchard The Historic Orchard at Altapass this weekend. We have so much fun hiking through the orchard, picking apples, and eating them as we go!
If you find that you have more apples then you know what to do with after your orchard trip, you can make simple, dried apple slices. These treats are perfect for the school lunchbox. Read on to learn how to make these simple treats in a couple of short steps.
What you will need:
– organic apples
– cinnamon
Directions:
Dehydrating: Line your food-dehydrator shelf with parchment paper. Cut your apples into super-thin slices and arrange the slices on the shelves of your food-dehydrator. Sprinkle with cinnamon and either dehydrate at 135° until crisp.
Baking: Line a baking sheet with a reusable mat or parchment paper. Cut your apples into super-thin slices and arrange the slices on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake in the oven at 225° for about 1.5 hours.
Do you make apple slices during the autumn season?
I love oatmeal on cool, crisp fall mornings! Am I the only one? You can make your own organic instant oatmeal packed with flavor in a few simple steps taking your regular oatmeal from ho-hum to yum-yum. Read on to learn how you can make organic instant oatmeal and wake up to a better tomorrow.
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Step 1: Bake It! Preheat the oven to 350°, spread 4 cups of organic old-fashioned rolled oats on a baking sheet. Bake until lightly toasted, about 15 minutes. Let cool.
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Step 2: Pulse It! Pulse in a food processor until coarsely chopped.
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Step 3: Mix It! Mix in a cup of your favorite oatmeal add-ins such as; almonds, walnuts, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, brown sugar, and coconut.
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Step 4: Store It! Store in an air-tight container for up to 2 weeks.
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Step 5: Boil It! Stir boiling water into a cup of your organic instant oatmeal until you reach your desired consistency.
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Step 6: Enjoy It! Oatmeal is my favorite on a cool, crisp fall morning – top with honey too!
Was one of your New Yearâs resolutions to embrace a healthier lifestyle? Starting (and sticking to) that journey can feel daunting, especially if youâre dealing with challenges like weight issues, fatigue, or skin and digestive problems. But donât worryâyouâre not alone! A fantastic way to jumpstart your wellness goals is by trying a whole body cleanse.
Wait, whatâs a cleanse? How does it work?
Think of a cleanse as a much-needed vacation for your body. It gives your system the time it needs to recover from stress, process toxins, and start fresh. While it might sound intimidating, itâs simpler than you think. Personally, Iâve completed several juice cleanses over the years, and though they can be challenging, the health benefits have been well worth it. Whether you go the juice route or try another type of cleanse, here are three key steps to help you get started:
1. Give Yourself a Checkup
The first and most important step is to assess where youâre at. Take inventory of your health habits and pinpoint areas for improvement. Are you consuming too much caffeine, alcohol, sugar, or processed foods? Are you exposed to toxic household cleaners or personal care products? Take stock and start removing those harmful elements from your life.
Pro tip: Before diving into a cleanse, consult your healthcare provider. The first time I tried a 30-day cleanse, I experienced hair loss due to an iron deficiencyâyikes! While it all grew back (phew!), it was a scary experience that taught me the importance of professional guidance.
2. Stay Hydrated
Water is your best friend when it comes to flushing out toxins. Keep a glass or reusable water bottle handy and refill it often. This is especially crucial during a juice cleanse to avoid dehydration and those pesky detox headaches. If plain water feels monotonous, spice it up with slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, or even a sprig of mint. And hereâs a fun fact: Studies show we drink more when using a straw. So, grab one and sip away!
3. Slow Down and Reflect
Gentle exercise like yoga, walking, or swimming can boost circulation and reduce stress during your cleanse. Afterward, treat yourself to a soothing steam or sauna sessionâitâs the ultimate reward!
Take a moment each day to reflect on your progress and set intentions for the future. Journaling, sketching, or connecting with like-minded individuals can be incredibly therapeutic during this transformative time.
4. Eat Mindfully Post-Cleanse
Once your cleanse is complete, focus on nourishing your body with whole, nutrient-rich foods. Leafy greens, high-fiber meals, and plant-based options should become staples in your diet. Avoid (or eliminate) processed foods, artificial ingredients, hydrogenated fats, caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. Smaller portions and organic choices will help you maintain that post-cleanse glow and energy.
Do you take time to cleanse your body and mind at the start of a new year? Or do you incorporate cleansing into your routine regularly? Iâd love to hear how itâs impacted your life!
Hello, Friends! I am pretty excited, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. To get you started, there are many eco-friendly ways to green your Thanksgiving dinner – all of which are easier to implement if you plan ahead. Many of these ideas will save you money and time while cutting down on the amount of waste that can accumulate from a big family dinner. Read on to learn my 5 favorite eco-friendly ways to plan your Thanksgiving dinner and start planning today!
1. Decorating 101 You don’t have to spend any money when decorating for Thanksgiving, instead use items that you already have or consider bringing natural items indoors. We always have a handful of pumpkins leftover from Halloween that we use as Thanksgiving decorations. And Eben and I like to take a nature walk to collect natural elements (pine-cones, acorns, branches, and leaves) to display as our Thanksgiving table centerpiece.
2. How Much is Enough? It is really easy to go overboard when planning the Thanksgiving menu. Consider the dishes that you will be serving and ask yourself if you are making more than is necessary. Choose a few dishes that you are sure your guests will love and skip the rest. Also, consider which parts of Thanksgiving dinner you want to or can afford to purchase organic and whenever possible, avoid pre-packaged items.
3. Consider the Table Do you have enough dinnerware for everyone at your dinner party? If not, consider borrowing place settings from close friends or family members instead of purchasing new. If you aren’t a china and tablecloth kind of family and choose to go with disposable place settings, choose a great compostable version that is made from 100% recycled materials.
4. Think Seasonal When choosing fruits and vegetables for your Thanksgiving menu, think seasonal. You want to avoid purchasing produce that is imported from far away. You may consider joining a local CSA for the holiday season – not only will you have delicious, local foods to serve this Thanksgiving, but you will be supporting a local farm too.
5. Plan for Leftovers What do you plan to do with the Thanksgiving dinner leftovers? If you are planning on sending goodies home with your guests, have glass reusable storage containers ready to go. If you made more than your family can consume, you could donate some of the leftovers to a local food bank, freeze them for later or have a menu plan for the days after Thanksgiving so all of the leftovers will be used.
How do you green your Thanksgiving dinner? I would love to hear – please share your thoughts in the comments!
